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Plan to overhaul driving tests Plan to overhaul driving tests
(about 3 hours later)
Children under 17 will get the chance to gain a qualification in safe road use, under new proposals to reform the driving test system.Children under 17 will get the chance to gain a qualification in safe road use, under new proposals to reform the driving test system.
The foundation course will be piloted in Scotland, and could later be extended across Britain if successful.The foundation course will be piloted in Scotland, and could later be extended across Britain if successful.
Other ideas include post-test courses, for example in motorway use, which could cut drivers' insurance rates.Other ideas include post-test courses, for example in motorway use, which could cut drivers' insurance rates.
The Department of Transport (DfT) said it wanted to create "a culture of extended and advanced learning".The Department of Transport (DfT) said it wanted to create "a culture of extended and advanced learning".
According to government figures, one in five people have an accident within six months of passing their test and 70% report near-misses.According to government figures, one in five people have an accident within six months of passing their test and 70% report near-misses.
Attitude AdvisorAttitude Advisor
Pilot courses in schools and colleges in Scotland will begin in the autumn and will be optional for students aged 14 and over. It is time for a new approach to learning to drive Transport Secretary Ruth KellyPilot courses in schools and colleges in Scotland will begin in the autumn and will be optional for students aged 14 and over. It is time for a new approach to learning to drive Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly
The DfT said the certificate will cover the Highway Code, planning journeys, social attitude, peer pressure, fatigue, being safe on the road and eco-driving.The DfT said the certificate will cover the Highway Code, planning journeys, social attitude, peer pressure, fatigue, being safe on the road and eco-driving.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is also developing a non-compulsory Attitude Advisor - a computer programme that asks young learners to answer questions about a range of driving situations.The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is also developing a non-compulsory Attitude Advisor - a computer programme that asks young learners to answer questions about a range of driving situations.
This allows it to build up a profile of their attitude to issues such as risk and speed, to which instructors can then pay particular attention.This allows it to build up a profile of their attitude to issues such as risk and speed, to which instructors can then pay particular attention.
Other proposals include:
  • A driving test syllabus, setting out exactly what is needed to become a safe driver, from the basics of car control to more challenging aspects like driving at night.
 Other proposals include:
  • A driving test syllabus, setting out exactly what is needed to become a safe driver, from the basics of car control to more challenging aspects like driving at night.
  • A revised test format, including the option of modular assessment and partial retakes
  • A change in test focus, putting less emphasis on mechanical manoeuvres and more on the ability to drive independently, for example by requiring the candidate to find the route
  • Advanced qualifications for more experienced drivers and vocational training for those who drive for work, such as hauliers
  • A star-rating system for driving instructors so learners can make an informed choice based on experience and pass rates.
  • A revised test format, including the option of modular assessment and partial retakes
  • A change in test focus, putting less emphasis on mechanical manoeuvres and more on the ability to drive independently, for example by requiring the candidate to find the route
  • Advanced qualifications for more experienced drivers and vocational training for those who drive for work, such as hauliers
  • A star-rating system for driving instructors so learners can make an informed choice based on experience and pass rates.
    • Financial incentiveFinancial incentive
    Speaking at the DSA training centre in Cardington, Bedfordshire, Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said: "It is time for a new approach to learning to drive.Speaking at the DSA training centre in Cardington, Bedfordshire, Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said: "It is time for a new approach to learning to drive.
    "We must make sure that novice drivers are safe drivers when they have passed their test. We must also create an expectation of lifelong learning, so that people continue advanced learning after their test. "We must make sure that novice drivers are safe drivers when they have passed their test. We must also create an expectation of lifelong learning, so that people continue advanced learning after their test. Breaking the test down into sections means it can be more thorough Peter RodgerInstitute of Advanced Motorists
    "Those who undertake extra training will not only be safer drivers, but will have the added incentive that they could see a financial reward in terms of lower insurance premiums.""Those who undertake extra training will not only be safer drivers, but will have the added incentive that they could see a financial reward in terms of lower insurance premiums."
    Peter Rodger, from the Institute of Advanced Motorists, told the BBC News website that modular assessment was a good idea.
    "Breaking the test down into sections means it can be more thorough," Mr Rodger said.
    "If, say, someone is struggling with clutch control, they can focus on mastering that physical skill before they have to worry about more complex mental challenges like night driving."
    Two million people take a car driving test every year with a pass rate of 44%.Two million people take a car driving test every year with a pass rate of 44%.
    The DfT says its plans should help more people pass first time. The DfT said its plans should help more people pass first time.
    Motoring body the RAC welcomed the proposals. It said "a dangerous cocktail of inexperience, overconfidence and a risk-taking attitude" was to blame in many crashes involving novice drivers. We need to focus on the aspects of the consultation which encourage a change in attitudes Theresa VilliersShadow Transport Secretary
    Deputy Director Sheila Rainger said: "Learning to drive can never be just about passing the test, but must be about becoming a safer driver from the first solo trip behind the wheel to the last."
    Consultation on the proposals runs for 16 weeks up to 8 September. If agreed, they could be implemented within two or three years.Consultation on the proposals runs for 16 weeks up to 8 September. If agreed, they could be implemented within two or three years.
    Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said: "These proposals are well intentioned, but Ruth Kelly should realise that more laws aren't enough to make young drivers safer.
    "We need to focus on the aspects of the consultation which encourage a change in attitudes and embrace social responsibility as well as more effective road safety measures."